I chew my lip, the same knot from last night tightening in my stomach.
Me: Yeah… I’ve been worried about that too. What he’ll say and how he’ll react.
The typing bubble pops up again almost immediately.
Clay: Don’t. Let me handle that. I know my brother. He’ll eventually come around.
I stare at the screen, my thumb hovering over the keyboard. He means it. He always does when he says things like that. It’s not about control. It’s about him trying to carry the weight so I don’t have to.
Me: You don’t have to fix everything, you know.
Clay: Maybe not. But when it comes to you, I want to make sure you’re okay.
Clay: Don’t stress about Evan. I’ve got it handled.
The corner of my mouth lifts despite the tension in my chest.
Me: So what’s your plan after practice? I was thinking I might stop by my dorm and do some laundry, and grab some clothes.
A minute passes before his reply comes through.
Clay: Actually… I made plans for us tonight.
I blink.
Me: Plans? What kind of plans?
Clay: The kind where we don’t have to hide. I’m taking you out.
My fingers freeze above the keyboard.
Me: Like… a date?
Clay: Yeah. A real one. Not some late-night dinner or behind closed doors. Just you and me, going out.
A slow warmth spreads through my chest before I can stop it.
Me: You sure that’s a good idea right now?
Clay: I’m not letting anyone or anything stop us from living our lives.
I laugh under my breath, the sound cutting through the quiet apartment.
Me: You don’t give up, do you?
Clay: Never have. Especially not with you. Be ready at seven.
Me: You’re not telling me where we’re going, are you?
Clay: Not a chance. Wear something casual.
I bite back a smile, rereading the messages before setting my phone down. For once, it doesn’t feel like the weight of everyone else’s opinions matters more than what’s right in front of me.
Maybe tonight doesn’t have to be complicated. Perhaps it can just be ours.
I grab my bag, slip on my coat, and head for the door with a grin I can’t quite shake.
Chapter Thirty-One
